Making a Difference in an Ever-Changing World

It's graduation season! I had the opportunity to graduate high school last Tuesday, so I'm officially transitioning to my next chapter of life. After hearing many commencement speeches on our past, present, future, purpose, and countless other topics, I began seriously contemplating what graduating this season of life really means.

I was talking to a good friend about this particular topic recently, and he remarked that it seems that we as Christians are required to choose our career path and spouse while learning to "adult" and even have children in a span of ten years or less--most of the time it's less. We are encouraged to do this in order to avoid some of the major pitfalls of our culture today, which is a worthy cause. Unfortunately, we are also bombarded by the world telling us to "be the change," and to "follow our heart." I think those who are in a similar position as me would agree that we struggle to keep up with the advice of family, friends, social media, and culture, despite our best efforts.

Keeping step with our culture, the vast majority of speeches I heard focused on changing the world. Seems like a daunting task, doesn't it? I mean, what does it even mean to change the world? If we look at technology, we see that companies are competing to design and market the best device before the others do. The newest and greatest always looks the best for a few months until another comes out. How would we ever make a lasting impact on this ever-changing world?

First, I would like to examine the question. Why is our first priority to change the world? We are certainly called to be salt and light in Matthew 5, but is missionary work or witnessing our first and foremost goal?

Our highest calling in life as Christians is to bring Christ glory. We see that from the very beginning in Genesis to the very end in Revelation. In fact, the plan of salvation alone proves that God is worthy of the glory He desires from us. While Christ's commission to us is vitally important, we must follow His command from the overflow of our desire to give Him glory. With this in mind, could we phrase our question differently? What if our impact became spiritually focused, rather than earthly focused? We see in Matthew 6 that this is the case:

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
                                     - Matthew 6:19-21 (emphasis added)

If we choose to live by that perspective, our goals and expectations for the future change as well. Yes, we might end up impacting the world in some way, but it will be completely satisfying if God is directing our path.

How do we make this practical? Here are five things to focus on and remember in the next stage of life as we make decisions, both big and small.

1. This Perspective Is Not Natural

Peter tells us, "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that we may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light," (1 Peter 2:9). If we are to truly be holy and proclaim His name, we cannot be like the world. This perspective may not bring the short-term glamour and recognition we desire. However, this life is a race and our destination is Christ. We will be different, yes, but maybe that in and of itself will help us stand out from the rest and point people to Him.

2. Make God the Priority

Even though we may know that we are to value God above all else, do we really act on that? What occupies your thoughts the most throughout the day? How often do we spend time studying and talking to God? It is easy to forget about the One who should be first when we have so many distractions around us. Get into a routine of setting aside time to fellowship with Christ. Choose a plan that works best for you. Reading through the Bible in a year is great, but there are more reading plans and study materials out there that can also help you grow in your spiritual walk.

When we make God first in our hearts, our thoughts, emotions, words, and actions start to radically change as well. Instead of asking, "What do I want?" we ask, "What would Christ want?" We start to love God more, and as a result, we love others more as well. Starting with a changed attitude and heart allows God to convict, mold, and sanctify us in more and more areas of our life. Those are the kinds of changes that need to happen in order to serve Him well.

3. Make Plans with Open Hands

What should I major in? When and who should I marry? Where should I live? How many kids should I have? These are just a few of the questions that have varying impacts on our life. While we are still young and cannot fully understand the weight of these decisions quite yet, we can run to the One who has everything under control. Seek to find out what God would have you do with your life. Pray over your plans and ask that He would make His will clear. His timing and His plans are both perfect, even if we can't quite see the end of the road yet.

4. Seek to Trust God

This goes along with giving up our plans to God. When we were saved, we had to surrender our life to Him. That doesn't stop with salvation! We are to continually give our bodies and lives up as living sacrifices for Christ (Romans 12:1). While we give our lives to Him, we also have to give up our pride, doubts, and fear as well. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will keep your paths straight."

When we stop to think about the weight of trusting Christ with our life, it can bring fear, but it can also bring comfort. He knows exactly what is going to happen to us every second of our lives and wants the best for us! Why then is it so hard to trust Him with that test, fatigue, relationship problem, or financial situation? Ask God to soften your heart to be able to trust Him more in all aspects of your life. When we let go of the controls, God can guide us along our path. 

5. Let Christ Change the World

Ultimately, God is sovereign over all. We are not required to change the world on our own strength. However, we are called to become more like Him and follow His plan for our life. That plan could be a stay-at-home mom that seeks to pour herself into her family and church. It could be a missionary to a third world country that has never heard the gospel before. Maybe it is serving as a mentor to younger people in your church. Whatever God's plan is, He will ensure that His purpose is fulfilled. You don't need to worry about changing the world, you just need to focus on what He would have you do now.


While this can't be an exhaustive list, I hope it gives some food for thought. We have to start on the inside if we wish to change the outside. This world will always change its standards of worth, but God never does. Strive for success in God's eyes, and we might just end up making a difference in this ever-changing world.